Overview of the Controversy and Current Developments
Actor Kim Soo-hyun has strongly denied allegations of dating the late actress Kim Sae-ron during her minor years; however, the controversy escalated further following a new photo revealed by the YouTube channel ‘Garo Sero Institute’ (hereafter, Gaseyeon).
On March 15th, during their live YouTube broadcast, Gaseyeon released a photo showing Kim Soo-hyun at the home of the late Kim Sae-ron, washing dishes while wearing only an oversized T-shirt, without pants. Introducing this photo, Gaseyeon clearly stated, “This picture was taken at Kim Sae-ron’s house, and actor Kim Soo-hyun was undoubtedly without pants, wearing only a long T-shirt that functions as pajamas.”
In response to earlier allegations, Kim Soo-hyun previously conveyed a message to Kim Sae-ron’s mother, stating, “I deeply sympathize with your concerns regarding the ongoing reports about the deceased. However, there might still be some aspects unknown to you. We would like the opportunity to discuss directly and clarify these misunderstandings.” His agency, Gold Medalist, also emphasized, “Publicly debating who is right or wrong is not suitable. We sincerely wish to communicate directly with the bereaved family. Please feel free to contact us at Gold Medalist office anytime.”
Despite these efforts to mitigate the controversy, the recent photo disclosure by GaroSero Institute has significantly damaged public confidence in Kim Soo-hyun’s previous explanations. With the continued possibility of further evidence and disclosures, this ongoing dispute appears far from resolved, and there is heightened public scrutiny on how Kim Soo-hyun and his agency will handle future responses and potential legal actions by the family.
Beginning of the Controversy: Bereaved Family Claims “Relationship Started During Minor Years”
Recently, YouTube channel ‘Garo Sero Institute’ (Ga Se Yeon) released an explosive interview with the family members of the late actress Kim Sae-ron. In this interview, Kim’s family claimed that actress Kim Sae-ron began dating actor Kim Soo-hyun when she was just 15 years old, and that their romantic relationship lasted approximately six years.
The bereaved family stated explicitly during their interview that “Kim Sae-ron had been in a romantic relationship with Kim Soo-hyun from when she was 15, for about six years.” The family further provided detailed evidence, including personal letters exchanged between the two and several photographs of them together, emphasizing precise timelines and contexts that supported their claims.
With such direct and specific allegations coming from the bereaved family, the public debate and doubts surrounding the truth behind these claims have intensified significantly. This controversy continues to attract widespread public attention, awaiting further clarification and responses from involved parties.
Kim Soo-hyun’s Initial Official Statement (Early 2024)
In early 2024, actor Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, strongly denied allegations regarding his relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron during her minor years. At that time, the agency clearly stated, “The rumors of Kim Soo-hyun dating the late Kim Sae-ron are completely unfounded. The photographs circulating online were taken when the two actors were under the same management agency in the past. We have absolutely no knowledge regarding Kim Sae-ron’s intentions behind releasing these photographs.”
However, the controversy escalated further following additional photographic revelations by the YouTube channel ‘Garo Sero Institute’ (Ga Se Yeon), casting doubts on Kim Soo-hyun’s initial denial.
Kim Soo-hyun Reverses Previous Statement, Clarifies Timeline: “We Dated, But Only After Both Were Adults”
Facing mounting allegations and ongoing photographic disclosures, Kim Soo-hyun and his management agency, Gold Medalist, eventually altered their previous stance by admitting the romantic relationship did occur. However, they strongly emphasized that their relationship only began after both individuals had reached adulthood.
In their revised statement, the agency stated clearly, “It is true that Kim Soo-hyun was in a relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron. Nevertheless, their dating period was strictly after both became adults, specifically from the summer of 2019 to the autumn of 2020, approximately one year. There was absolutely no romantic relationship during Kim Sae-ron’s minor years.”
Despite this clarification, additional photographic evidence disclosed by Ga Se Yeon has intensified public suspicion about the credibility of Kim Soo-hyun and his agency’s explanations. This continuous exchange of claims and counterclaims indicates the dispute is likely to intensify further.
Official Statement from Kim Soo-hyun’s Side: Emphasizing Relationship Started After Both Parties Became Adults
Actor Kim Soo-hyun has issued an official statement regarding recent controversies surrounding his alleged relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. While admitting to a romantic relationship, his agency, Gold Medalist, strongly clarified the timeline.
“Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship strictly after both had reached adulthood. They dated for approximately one year from summer 2019 until autumn 2020. There was absolutely no romantic relationship during Kim Sae-ron’s minor years.”
Detailed Clarifications by Kim Soo-hyun’s Side on Presented Evidences (Photos and Letters)
The agency also specifically addressed photos and letters presented as proof by the YouTube channel ‘Garo Sero Institute’ (Ga Se Yeon).
Clarification Regarding Alleged Underage Dating Photo
Regarding the photograph Ga Se Yeon presented as evidence of underage dating, the agency clearly stated:
“The outfit worn by Kim Sae-ron in the controversial photo was released by the brand in June 2019. Thus, the claim that the photo was taken in 2016 is entirely incorrect and misleading. We have already secured the photo’s original metadata to support this fact.”
Explanation about Letters Sent During Military Service and the Nickname ‘Saeronaero’
Kim Soo-hyun’s side also addressed the letters he wrote to Kim Sae-ron during his mandatory military service, stating:
“The letters Kim Soo-hyun sent during his military service were part of routine correspondence sent to several close acquaintances. The nickname ‘Saeronero,’ specifically, had been openly used by Kim Sae-ron herself publicly on social media platforms since 2016, thus is not an exclusive nickname indicative of a special relationship as distorted by Ga Se Yeon.”
Truth Behind the Debt Settlement Issue and the Legal Notice Sent to Kim Sae-ron
Gold Medalist additionally clarified the context behind sending legal notifications regarding financial obligations of approximately 700 million KRW:
“As Kim Sae-ron was financially incapable of settling the obligations incurred due to her past drunk-driving incident, our company covered these costs. Following advice from legal and accounting firms, we officially recognized this amount as a loss (bad debt) through legally mandated procedures.”
Nonetheless, Kim Sae-ron’s family and Ga Se Yeon assert that Kim Sae-ron was completely unaware of the company’s internal debt write-off procedure. Consequently, she experienced significant psychological stress upon receiving the notice demanding payment, intensifying the ongoing controversy surrounding this matter.
Bereaved Family Demands “Acknowledgment of Underage Dating and Formal Apology”
The bereaved family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron has issued an official statement through the YouTube channel ‘Garo Sero Institute’ (Ga Se Yeon) on March 15th, clearly outlining their demands and addressing recent controversies:
- “Actor Kim Soo-hyun must acknowledge that he dated Kim Sae-ron starting from when she was a minor, and issue a formal, sincere apology regarding this fact.”
- “Kim Soo-hyun’s management agency, Gold Medalist, must publicly apologize for consistently denying the relationship over the past three years, thus distorting the truth.”
- “Gold Medalist must formally recognize and apologize for Kim Sae-ron’s contribution to the agency as one of its founding members.”
- “Gold Medalist’s sending of a legal notice demanding repayment of 700 million KRW placed Kim Sae-ron under severe emotional and psychological distress. We demand a sincere apology from both Kim Soo-hyun and the agency for this act.”
- “The bereaved family clearly states that they seek nothing more than a formal, genuine apology from Kim Soo-hyun and Gold Medalist regarding these issues.”
Additionally, the bereaved family announced plans for legal actions against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho, stating, “We plan to officially file a lawsuit against Mr. Lee Jin-ho next week.”
Additional Controversy: Ga Se Yeon Reveals New Photo of Kim Soo-hyun Without Pants at Kim Sae-ron’s Home
On the afternoon of March 15th, YouTube channel ‘Garo Sero Institute’ (Ga Se Yeon) intensified the controversy by releasing a new photo showing actor Kim Soo-hyun at Kim Sae-ron’s residence.
In the disclosed image, Kim Soo-hyun is clearly seen washing dishes in Kim Sae-ron’s home, wearing only an oversized T-shirt that functions as pajamas, with no pants on.
Ga Se Yeon emphasized, “We clearly confirm this photo was taken at the late actress’s residence, and actor Kim Soo-hyun was undoubtedly wearing no pants at the time of the photo.”
Following this new revelation, doubts surrounding Kim Soo-hyun’s previous statements have significantly increased, further fueling public scrutiny and debate. The controversy is expected to persist, depending on future developments and the responses from Kim Soo-hyun and his agency.
